Which Air Conditioner Is Right for Your Home?
Explore the pros and cons of four popular types of ACs
Luxury or necessity? Whatever your views on the rights and wrongs of ACs, chances are you are finding it increasingly hard to do without an air conditioner, given our climate and air quality. If you are planning to buy a new air conditioner for your home, it is essential to consider important factors like your budget, the number, size and type of rooms to be cooled and whether it is for your own home or a rented apartment. Air conditioners can be broadly categorised into ductless split units, ductless cassette units, window units and ductable units. Each of these types of air conditioners come in various models, designs and star ratings that determine the energy efficiency of the appliance.
Here is a guide to the pros and cons of each air-conditioning system.
Here is a guide to the pros and cons of each air-conditioning system.
Cons:
A recent innovation: Consider split ACs with inverter technology; they help to adjust the power consumption of the compressor when in use. This mechanism enables good savings on the electricity bills.
- A faulty installation of the condensate discharge line (that removes condensed water vapour) may result in clogging, backflow and leakage in the indoor unit. Make sure to give this pipe a good downward slope, as per the manufacturer’s specifications, to ensure that the water discharges outwards easily.
A recent innovation: Consider split ACs with inverter technology; they help to adjust the power consumption of the compressor when in use. This mechanism enables good savings on the electricity bills.
2. Ductless cassette AC
A cassette AC is a ceiling-mounted ductless unit with a standard size of 2x2 feet. The mode of operation is very similar to a split AC. The powerful cooling of a cassette unit, along with its (more or less) central placement in the ceiling, makes it highly suitable for large living-cum-dining areas where wall mounted split ACs won’t be as effective.
Pros:
A cassette AC is a ceiling-mounted ductless unit with a standard size of 2x2 feet. The mode of operation is very similar to a split AC. The powerful cooling of a cassette unit, along with its (more or less) central placement in the ceiling, makes it highly suitable for large living-cum-dining areas where wall mounted split ACs won’t be as effective.
Pros:
- They can be installed within the ceiling cavity, which is the gap between the true ceiling and faux ceiling. This is an effective way to save window and wall space as only the fascia of the split unit is visible in the faux ceiling.
- It is a well-known basic science fact that cool air descends; this phenomenon ensures excellent cooling by the cassette AC.
- Another plus of cassette ACs is that they are equipped with directional blowing, which throws air in all four directions. As a result, the conditioned air can can be evenly distributed to the farthest areas of the room.
- They are noiseless because only the air blowers are present within the room.
Cons:
- A cassette AC can only be installed and tucked away within a faux ceiling.
- Servicing or repairing the power lines, refrigeration lines and condensate discharge lines, which are all concealed within the faux ceiling, can be challenging due to limited accessibility.
3. Window AC
Window air conditioners are fixed within a cut-out in the external wall or a window that is specially designed to accommodate such units. These units are most suitable for small rooms where installation of an outdoor unit proves difficult. They are also suitable for rented apartments or in cases where you need to change your home frequently,because of their portable size and ease of installation.
Pros:
Window air conditioners are fixed within a cut-out in the external wall or a window that is specially designed to accommodate such units. These units are most suitable for small rooms where installation of an outdoor unit proves difficult. They are also suitable for rented apartments or in cases where you need to change your home frequently,because of their portable size and ease of installation.
Pros:
- A window unit is the most affordable and reasonably priced in comparison to other air-conditioning systems.
- These ACs are easy to install and are low on maintenance.
- A window AC is ideal for small rooms.
- A window unit may look bulky because it blocks a part of the window, reducing the access to natural light.
- The window units have the condensers within the main unit so they tend to be noisy when in use.
- One major drawback is that the immediate area around the window AC will feel cool sooner, the cooling effect taking time to spread through the room.
- There may be security issues with a window AC, unlike other air-conditioning systems, since a big cut-out is made within the external wall or a window to accommodate the AC. It is important to burglar-proof the window AC, especially if it is on the ground or first floor, with a protective window grille or cage.
4. Ductable AC
A ductable AC supplies cool air to the entire home or a particular zone through a system of ducts fixed within the ceiling. This system works best for large homes where multiple rooms need to be air-conditioned.
Pros:
A ductable AC supplies cool air to the entire home or a particular zone through a system of ducts fixed within the ceiling. This system works best for large homes where multiple rooms need to be air-conditioned.
Pros:
- These units are excellent in terms of decor because only the vents are visible. This gives a very sleek, elegant and luxurious look to the home.
- A ductable AC system can be efficiently zoned and each area can have different settings and temperature controls. One can turn off the AC of any zone when not in use.
- Ductable ACs maintain an even temperature throughout the home.
Cons:
Tip: Installing a ductable AC cannot be an afterthought. Make sure the position of the ducts and vents are aligned with the design of the faux ceiling, and the electrical wiring and electrical points.
Read more:
9 Ways to Say NO to the AC and Reduce Electricity Costs
10 Ways To Hide Your Split AC
Tell us:
Which type of air conditioner will you prefer for your home? Tell us in the Comments section below.
- One concern about a ductable AC is that it incurs some energy losses as the ducts have to be cooled before the rooms get cooled. Also, the ducts can be prone to leakage or deterioration over time.
- The cost of materials, installation and maintenance of a ductable AC is higher than that of other air-conditioning systems.
- The elaborate ducting and extensive costs do not make it suitable for cooling a single room.
- In case of any repairs, the air-conditioning of the whole home will have to be switched off and will not work until the task is completed.
Tip: Installing a ductable AC cannot be an afterthought. Make sure the position of the ducts and vents are aligned with the design of the faux ceiling, and the electrical wiring and electrical points.
Read more:
9 Ways to Say NO to the AC and Reduce Electricity Costs
10 Ways To Hide Your Split AC
Tell us:
Which type of air conditioner will you prefer for your home? Tell us in the Comments section below.
A split AC is a wall-mounted ductless air conditioner that has become increasingly popular in urban homes. These are available in sleek modern designs and various colours. A split AC comprises three components – the outdoor compressor, the indoor handling unit, and the connecting pipes and electrical cables.
Pros: